The state-funded Oklahoma Parents as Teachers (OPAT) grant for the 2012-2013 school year is now available. One million dollars ($1,000,000.00) in state funds was allocated to be awarded to school districts who apply for the competitive grant. All schools are encouraged to apply.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education approves students majoring in agriculture who are enrolled in the course, Communications in Agriculture (code 8022), to be able to use the earned credit to satisfy the fine arts or speech competency as a graduation requirement.

The White House this week announced 97 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Oklahoma winners are: Ashley Moody, from McLoud Public Schools, for math; and Rebecca Morales, from Broken Arrow Public Schools, for science.